When one ships a package, one will often use the smallest box that the item will fit in. Strangely enough, this will, in some cases result in a higher shipping fee.
From what I have seen, standard size boxes can often be cheaper to send than irregular sized boxes. For example, if one compares the shipping cost for two boxes that are 1 lb each using Canada Post, one will find that the larger box is cheaper to send.
Box dimensions (14.5cmx9cmx8cm) LxWxH
Priority $106.89
Xpresspost $55.49
Internation Parcel – Surface $36.05
Small Packet – International Air $8.67
Light Packet – International $8.25
Small Packet – International Surface $6.13
Box dimensions (5x5x5)LxWxH
Priority $106.89
Xpresspost $55.49
Internation Parcel – Surface $36.05
Comparing the above prices, sending a package by Small Packet – International Air for $8.67 is similar to Xpresspost which costs $55.49. Therefore, sending a box that is 14.5cmx9cmx8cm is much cheaper than sending a box that is 5cmx5cmx5cm.
When sending a package using the various shipping companies available, do a comparison of the shipping rates of sending a standard size box vs a non-standard size box. One may find that the shipping rates are discounted for standard size boxes or boxes that meet a certain criteria.
Another option is to put the small box in a shipping envelope. This can often be a cheaper alternative if the box fits.
As for me, I get discounts on shipping from the company that I work for. They apparently have a deal with a shipping company; therefore, I can ship items at a discount. Something that one should look into. Discounts are always a good thing.
For those in Canada, this maybe useful http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/business/productsservices/smallpacket_surface.jsf
For those in the USA, this maybe useful http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/1257-Shipping-Rates-Flat-Rate-Boxes-Usually-Save-Money-
Doing a Google search for save money on shipping costs will provide many results such as http://www.skipmcgrath.com/articles/saveship.shtml.
Aug 9, 2011
It seems that one can save some money on shipping costs by having the product shipped to a location close to the border. Kinek, https://www.kinek.com/, is a company that has locations right across the Canada/USA border. Opening an account with them will allow one to receive packages at their warehouse. Therefore, for those Canadians living close to the USA border, having a package shipped to this location is an option one should consider. A fee, which varies depending on the location and/or size/weight, must be paid to pick up the package from Kinek, but it seems that some shipping companies will charge $20 to have the package shipped to Canada vs $5 to a USA address. Therefore, it maybe cheaper to ship to a USA address.
Another benefit of having an account with Kinek is that items that will not be shipped to Canada for one reason or another can be shipped to a Kinek warehouse to be brought back to Canada later. Although, one should be aware of what is allowed to be brought back to Canada. There are products that are not allowed to be brought across. A list can be seen at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/out-ext/index-eng.php
For other companies that provide USA mailboxes, http://forums.redflagdeals.com/us-shipping-address-canadians-514393/3/ is a good place to start looking.